The Chase’s Anne Hegerty launches fiery spat with ‘homophobic’ viewer

She’s known as one of the most outspoken stars on both the UK and Aussie versions of The Chase, and now Anne Hegerty has taken her fury to a whole new level in a fiery online spat with a viewer.

The Governess was praised by fans as she defended the show against a Twitter user, who said he was “disgusted” that they had welcomed a drag queen to appear as a contestant on UK TV.

Daniel, 24, from Cheshire, appeared on the show in make-up before opening up about his job with fellow guests and host Bradley Walsh. However, while many applauded his appearance, one social media user claimed it was “irresponsible” of the show to let him on at all.

“l really think it is mischievous and highly irresponsible of ITV to allow people of this sort to appear on a family show. I feel quite disgusted,” they wrote.

Hitting back at the insulting tweet, Anne, 59, branded him a “sad f***er”, and was quickly backed up by her co-star Mark Labbett – dubbed ‘The Beast’ on screen.

Read more: The Chase’s Governess says being attractive can hold older women back

Not done there, the user then added: “Try and remember that the great majority out here are normal. I feel sorry for people like you but I do not believe we should change society to accommodate your bestial preferences.”

He went on: “But there are surely limits beyond which normal becomes abnormal. For example, l would suggest that Heterosexuality is normal whilst child sex is abnormal. From what you say, you would disagree.”

Anne responded: “I profoundly disapprove of having sex with children. And of anything else that does actual harm to people. Men in fabulous sparkly gowns? Fine with me.”

It came after contestant Daniel shared that he hoped to spend the prize money on the show on lingerie, saying: “Having boy clothes and girl clothes is expensive. I would love to buy some lingerie and treat myself.”

Read more: ‘We often bluff it’: Anne Hegerty shares ‘The Chase’ backstage secrets

Both Anne and Mark were praised by fans for their comments and defence of the show, with one commenting: “Well done, Anne,” while another called her an “absolute icon”.

She went on to defend the show against claims it’s set up and scripted in advance, and when the same user claimed the Chasers “read answers from a card”, she hit back: “As @MarkLabbett has already said, if we were all faking, wouldn’t they get five better-looking people?”

She then joked to another viewer: “They’re invisible cards, held in front of us by invisible people. DON’T YOU KNOW ANYTHING? #tsk.”

Are you a fan of ‘The Chase’? Do you think Anne and Mark were right to speak up?